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Folarin Balogun eligible to play for U.S. against Belgium after red card reprieve

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 7:57 PM

Last updated Jul 5, 2026

Folarin Balogun eligible to play for U.S. against Belgium after red card reprieve

Summary

Folarin Balogun, the U.S. striker and leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup, will compete in the Round of 16 against Belgium following a reprieve from his controversial red card. FIFA suspended the ban that would have sidelined him after he was ejected during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision allows Balogun to boost the U.S. attack as they pursue advancement in the tournament. U.S. Soccer expressed satisfaction with FIFA's ruling, emphasizing their focus on the match ahead.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Balogun received a red card in the July 1 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
•FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to allow Balogun to play.
•The U.S. faces Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seattle on July 6.
•Balogun has been a vital player, contributing significantly to the U.S. offense.

Latest Updates

7:57 PMYahoo Sports — Common Sense Prevails at the FIFA World Cup

What they're saying

"
FIFA gave the U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, the team’s leading goal scorer at this World Cup, a rare reprieve for his controversial red card, allowing him to play against Belgium.
— Yahoo Sports

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